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Nobody Wants to Read Your Sh*t
208 pages, 2016
When you understand that nobody wants to read your stuff, you develop empathy.
You acquire the skill that is indispensable to all artists and entrepreneurs—the ability of switching back and forth in your imagination from your own point of view as writer/painter/seller to the point of view of your reader/gallery-goer/customer.
You learn to ask yourself with every sentence and every phrase: Is this interesting? Is it fun or challenging or inventive? Am I giving the reader enough? Is she bored? Is she following where I want to lead her?
In 'Nobody Wants to Read Your Sh*t', Steven Pressfield emphasizes the importance of storytelling. He believes that a good story is the backbone of any successful writing. Whether you're writing a novel, a blog post, or a sales pitch, you need to engage your audience with a compelling narrative. So, take a look at your own writing. Does it tell a story that grabs the reader's attention?
Pressfield introduces a harsh reality in his book - nobody wants to read your sh*t. It's a wake-up call for writers to understand that readers don't owe them anything. If you want people to read your work, you need to make it worth their time. This means you need to research, revise, and polish your work until it shines.
Pressfield stresses the power of simplicity in writing. He suggests that writers often overcomplicate their work, which can turn off readers. Instead, he encourages writers to keep their language simple and their ideas clear. So, next time you sit down to write, see if you can say the same thing in fewer, simpler words.
In 'Nobody Wants to Read Your Sh*t', you'll find that structure is key. Pressfield argues that a well-structured piece of writing is easier to read and more engaging. He provides practical tips on how to structure your work effectively. So, check your own writing. Does it have a clear beginning, middle, and end?
Finally, Pressfield highlights the role of persistence in writing. He acknowledges that writing is hard and often thankless work, but he also assures readers that persistence pays off. So, if you're feeling discouraged, remember that every great writer has been where you are. Keep going, keep improving, and you'll get there.
